Our university has become one of the region’s and Hungary's defining, innovative knowledge centers" – We celebrated our educators at the Carpathian Basin EuPed Day
A comparison within the continental European higher education area also shows that the structure of Óbuda University and its student-to-faculty ratio are fully aligned with those of its international competitors. We have held a leading position for years among Central and Eastern European technical universities in the categories of research environment and research quality. It is also worth highlighting that the innovation ecosystem we have established has now become the engine of our university," enumerated the results Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, Rector, at the now traditional Carpathian Basin EuPed Educators' Day celebration on June 5th.
In his speech, the Rector emphasized that on European Educators' Day, we also celebrate the educators of the Carpathian Basin—those with whom we share the belief that the key to the future lies in founding schools and in the power of science, and that we can operate within a unified Hungarian higher education area in the Carpathian Basin. Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács further spoke about the continuously rising student numbers, and highlighted that the university currently possesses the most competitive and predictable technical higher education base salary scale in the country. The institution's dynamic growth is best reflected by international rankings: having climbed nearly 1,500 places over the past six years, it now holds a stable position at 719th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Furthermore, we have held a leading position for years among Central and Eastern European technical universities in the categories of research environment and research quality. "As he put it: “Today, our academic life is experiencing a renaissance! In addition, over the past few years, we have introduced a prudent, disciplined, yet growth-oriented management model. Our institution is characterized by a consciously structured growth trajectory, which is built, among other things, on independent income-generating capacity, increasing grant and project revenues, and industrial collaborations. We can state that our university, together with its citizens, has become a strong anchor. Accordingly, we have stepped onto the global stage to target the world’s elite.”
Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács extended a special welcome to Konstantina Kleoniki Kalman and Elisabeth Katherine Kalman Sarkis, the wife and daughter of Rudolf E. Kálmán, the prominent Hungarian-American electrical engineer and mathematician. (Rudolf E. Kálmán was a recipient of the University's Honorary Professor title and the first person to be awarded an honorary doctorate by the institution. In 2017, as the newly elected chair of the IEEE Hungary Section, the Rector initiated, presented to the Senate of Óbuda University, and subsequently established the Rudolf Kálmán Distinguished Professor title—the university's highest-ranking professorial honor—with the consent of the Kálmán family.) Since its inception, this prestigious recognition has been awarded annually to professors with outstanding scientific achievements—one international and one domestic researcher each year—who, through their work, have contributed significantly to both our institution and the IEEE community, while inspiring future generations of researchers. In 2017, the inaugural recipients were Tibor Vámos, the founder of SZTAKI, a Széchenyi Prize-winning researcher and academician born 100 years ago today, and Oussama Khatib, a professor at Stanford University in the United States, who is currently one of the world's most prominent researchers in the field of robotics.
Konstantina Kleoniki Kalman also spoke at the event, expressing her appreciation for the outstanding international scientific achievements of Óbuda University. She emphasized her close collaboration with Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, the Rector of the university. As she stated: “Our primary goal is to establish a research base that effectively promotes the generation of scientific results. We also want to introduce students to the importance of mathematical thinking—a mindset that is crucial for validating innovative ideas and achieving scientific breakthroughs.”
The Senate of Óbuda University has awarded the Civis Academicus Honoris Causa – Honorary Citizen title to Phil Baty. As the Chief Global Affairs Officer at Times Higher Education and the creator of the THE World University Rankings, he has transformed how universities are perceived, measured, and connected worldwide.
The Patron of Óbuda University title has been awarded to:
László Boros, CEO of Magnus Aircraft Zrt.
Founded in 2014, the Hungarian-owned, Pécs-based company has been a committed strategic partner of Óbuda University since 2021, co-developing the next generation of light aircraft. The collaboration also directly enriches engineering education: Magnus Aircraft regularly welcomes students from Óbuda University for factory tours, seamlessly linking education with the high-tech industry.
István Füredi, founding owner of Toyota Sakura.
At the Kandó Kálmán Faculty of Electrical Engineering, the Department of Hydrogen and Hybrid Systems has been operating since 2024 with the support of Toyota Sakura, led by János Szilasi, Managing Director of Toyota Sakura. Through this department and the EKIK Hydrogen and Hybrid Technologies Research Center (H2T), Toyota Sakura provides students of Óbuda University not only with theoretical knowledge but also with an innovative perspective, tangible expertise, and collaborative research opportunities. In 2026, another milestone was reached: a 100 kW hydrogen fuel cell generator and microgrid pilot system, designed and installed in collaboration with experts from Óbuda University, was realized—representing a unique solution within the Toyota Motor Europe network.
Óbuda University Medal of Honor
Among others, Tamás Kiss was honored with an award.
Prof. Dr. Miklós Kozlovszky has been leading the university's Space Lab since September 2024. As a result of the Space Lab's activities, Óbuda University has become a dynamic player in the national space ecosystem, with various partners actively seeking opportunities for collaboration. Miklós Kozlovszky leads the Space Lab’s small but growing team with professional humility, keen insight, and an often superhuman work ethic, all while conscientiously coordinating and facilitating the development of other "space-related" research groups.
Dr. habil. Andrea Pődör is recognized for her high-quality and effective leadership of the Institute of Geoinformatics at the Alba Regia Faculty of Óbuda University, her outstanding role in education and international research, her efforts in developing international relations, and her community-building activities.
Prof. Dr. György Györök is recognized for his quarter-century of high-quality teaching at Óbuda University and in technical higher education in Székesfehérvár, based on fostering student achievement, as well as for his research work closely linked to industrial practice, his development activities, and his results-oriented tenure as Dean.
Dr. habil. László Koltai, Dean of the Sándor Rejtő Faculty of Light Industry and Environmental Engineering at Óbuda University, is a defining and highly respected figure in domestic light industry and packaging technology education and research. His work is characterized by a harmonious unity of respect for tradition and a commitment to forward-looking innovation. Professional excellence, a dedication to quality higher education, and the building of international collaborations all play a central role in his leadership.
Anikó Szakál is particularly distinguished for her work in the organization and execution of international and domestic scientific events. She has played a key role in the successful implementation of numerous international conferences and scientific gatherings. As the managing editor of the scientific journal Acta Polytechnica Hungarica, she has also actively contributed to the university's international scientific communication.
Dr. habil. Viktória Sugár, Vice-Rector for Sustainability and Major Investments, in addition to her duties within the university leadership, plays a consistently outstanding and defining role in the educational and scientific activities of the Ybl Miklós Faculty at Óbuda University. Among her achievements, her work as a founding member, supervisor, and lecturer at the Doctoral School of Architecture, Design and Technology stands out, as does her pivotal contribution to the international-standard realization of the Ybl Conference on the Built Environment, which was hosted by the Ybl Faculty for the fourth time in 2026.
The event was complemented by the performance of the Brass Quintet of the Óbuda Danubia Orchestra
The following individuals were honored with the Óbuda University Commemorative Ring:
Dr. habil. Monika Pogátsnik, in recognition of her efforts toward the sustainability and development of dual education at Óbuda University, her role in fostering Central Asian relations, as well as for her outstanding leadership at the Alba Regia Faculty, her innovative approach, her application of modern pedagogical and methodological tools, and her commitment to the university.
Dr. Márta Éva Seebauer, who, alongside her dedication to education, supporting student progress, and mentoring the next generation of educators, applies her exceptional professional expertise as a member of the Training Monitoring Committee to provide modern, high-level professional support for Óbuda University’s training portfolio. She has consistently demonstrated a tireless work ethic and professional dedication.
Prof. Dr. Pál Michelberger, a defining figure in the educational and scientific life of Óbuda University and its legal predecessors. Throughout his outstanding professional career, he has contributed significantly to the institution's development, while also serving as a dedicated supervisor and core member of the Doctoral School on Safety and Security Sciences, bringing extensive experience and a high level of professional expertise to his work.
The honorary title of Honorary Associate Professor of Óbuda University was awarded to:
Dr. Magdolna Katalin Kádár, who plays an outstanding role in the development of domestic health informatics and the promotion of digitalization. As an educator in the Hospital Engineering and Medical Engineering MSc program at the John von Neumann Faculty of Informatics at Óbuda University, she serves the training of future professionals. Through her work, she has contributed to the realization of the Óbuda University MedTech Center.
Dr. György Czifra, a recognized educator in the fields of mechanical sciences and Industry 4.0, who has consistently focused his research and publications on the development of modern, intelligent manufacturing systems and related innovations. His teaching career has been defined by a student-centered approach, a helpful and supportive attitude, and an openness to industry innovations, all of which have been confirmed by numerous positive student evaluations. He is a committed representative of modern teaching methods—particularly project-based engineering education and the application of artificial intelligence—and has played an active role in their development and integration at the university.
Piroska Margit Koltai has been serving as a key external lecturer at the Sándor Rejtő Faculty of Light Industry and Environmental Engineering at Óbuda University since 2024, where she integrates specialized areas of marketing and advertising psychology into engineering and product design training. She conducts her courses at a high standard in both Hungarian and English, contributing to the faculty's international reputation and providing students with market-ready knowledge. Based on her professional dedication, mentoring work, and community involvement, she is highly recommended for the title of Honorary Associate Professor.
The title of Honorary Associate Professor of Óbuda University was awarded to:
Mrs. Péterné Korona, who has been an instructor at the Sándor Rejtő Faculty of Light Industry and Environmental Engineering since 2008. In 2019, she was appointed as a Master Teacher in recognition of her outstanding professional and pedagogical work. Through her extensive subject portfolio and the university textbooks she has authored, she imparts complex, practice-oriented knowledge, while her student-centered and inspiring approach has made her the supervisor of numerous successful theses and Scientific Students' Association (TDK) projects. Since 2025, she has also been supporting students' professional and personal development as a lead mentoring teacher and as the Dean's Commissioner for Student Welfare Affairs.
The title of Professor Emeritus of Óbuda University was awarded to:
Prof. Dr. László Pokorádi, who served as Director of the Institute of Mechatronics and Vehicle Engineering between 2015 and 2021. During this time, he did a great deal to boost the institute's professional and scientific standing, and he considered it a personal mission to strengthen team cohesion, thereby improving the workplace atmosphere and teamwork. In the period since, he has continued to actively assist the institute and support the scientific advancement of students and colleagues, performing outstanding educational and research work for the benefit of the university and the institute.
The University Senate awarded the Kármán Prize to:
Prof. Dr. János Lichtenberger, Professor at the Kálmán Kandó Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and President of the MTA Geophysical Scientific Committee. Throughout his career, he has performed pioneering work in uncovering the processes of plasma physics, the ionosphere, and the magnetosphere. His international recognition is due to the AWDANet network he developed—a unique system worldwide—which monitors space weather and space safety across six continents. His scientific significance is underscored by the fact that he has represented Hungary in the leading bodies of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the International Union of Radio Science (URSI), and he has also participated as a researcher in experiments on the International Space Station. He is the author of over 350 scientific publications; through his work, he has not only contributed fundamentally to understanding the Earth’s environment but has also made space science a vocation for generations of researchers and students.
Rector’s Commendation was awarded to:
Borbála Horváth, Executive Expert at the Institute of Economics, Finance, and Accounting of the Keleti Károly Faculty of Business and Management, who has been managing the daily affairs of the institute since 2020. Her dedication and expertise are exemplary for her colleagues at the faculty. Thanks to her helpfulness and professional skills, she is a crucial part of the faculty's operational functioning.
Anett Mizsei, for her outstanding and dedicated professional work during the training and graduation semester of the full-time and correspondence architecture students who completed their studies in January 2026 at the Institute of Architecture of the Ybl Miklós Faculty of Civil Engineering.
Dr. habil. Tibor Wührl, a researcher at the Kálmán Kandó Faculty of Electrical Engineering at Óbuda University, for his defining role in the development of WREN–1, Hungary's largest domestically developed nanosatellite to date. He continues his research work as the lead researcher for the newly launched RAVEN satellite project.
Dr. István Szén, electrical engineer and teacher, for 20 years of outstanding diligence, serious discipline, and remarkable professional precision in his educational and research activities at Óbuda University and its legal predecessor, typically in the higher education of students specializing in electrical power engineering. His professional knowledge and humility regarding the electrical engineering profession are exemplary. His research focuses on the possibilities and hazards of hydrogen-based energy production and storage, as well as the legal and professional regulations of this environment.
Prof. Dr. Tamás Jancsó, in recognition of his work in launching the Geoinformatics MSc program and the specialization for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operator engineers at the Institute of Geoinformatics of the Alba Regia Faculty, as well as for his high-quality teaching activities.
Dr. Katalin Árvai-Bencze, Head of Office at the University Research and Innovation Center (EKIK) and Secretary of the University Innovation Committee. Through her high-standard management of EKIK’s administrative processes and her harmonious cooperation with partner departments, she has established a solid foundation for the development of EKIK’s research centers and researcher excellence programs.
Dr. habil. András Kerti.
Rector’s Commendation was further awarded to:
Kornélia Tusor, who has been a dedicated economic staff member of the Sándor Rejtő Faculty of Light Industry and Environmental Engineering since 2013. With her expertise and precision, she maintains the faculty's economic affairs on a solid foundation and coordinates the financial processes of projects, grants, and procurements. For over a decade, she has been a definitive pillar of the faculty community through her helpfulness, patience, and conscientious work.
Adrienn Takács-Barabás, who has been working at Óbuda University since 2006. As a staff member of the University Library—currently at the Tavaszmező Street library—she contributes to research support tasks through her work with the MTMT database and the Óbuda Digital Archive; furthermore, her event organization activities help strengthen the community.
Beáta Neruda-Hegedüs, for her decade and a half of conscientious work, dedication, and accurate, precise performance. Neptun financial matters have always been handled on time and completely, whether it concerns the payment of scholarships or the booking of incoming items.
Viktória Katona-Kis, for nearly two decades of conscientious work, dedication, and selfless professional helpfulness. She has always performed her work with precision and at a high standard. Her diligence, resourcefulness, and professional knowledge are exemplary to all.
Here is the English translation of the text:
Judit Csjernyik, a teacher at the Orchidea Hungarian-English Bilingual Primary School, has provided students with a stable foundation not only in core subjects and essential learning skills but also in universal human values and the achievements of Hungarian national culture through her teaching and supportive attitude. Her colleagues and superiors can always rely on her, and she gladly shares her knowledge and experience with everyone.
Dr. Márta Varga has been teaching chemistry for 42 years at the Szinyei Merse Pál Gymnasium, where she performs outstanding work as a teacher, homeroom teacher, and head of the professional working group. She successfully prepares her students for graduation exams, competitions, and scientific conferences, with many of her former students going on to become chemists, doctors, or researchers. She also plays an active role in the school's community life by organizing programs, events, and community activities.
Zsuzsanna Surin was also awarded a Rector’s Commendation.
Dr. Péter Kristóf, Rector’s Commissioner for Space Affairs at Óbuda University and a staff member of the EKIK SpaceLab. His career to date is marked by numerous prestigious awards in the fields of space research, IT management, and innovation management, including the international Karman Pioneer Award. He received the Rector’s Commendation for the development of Óbuda University's space research and education portfolio and for expanding the sector's international network of relations.
Adrienn Ámon, as Head of the Communications Office, contributes significantly to the institution's effective operation and the strengthening of its reputation through her outstanding professional dedication, high-quality work, and decisive manner. Through her creative and strategic approach, she efficiently coordinates communication tasks.
Sándor Molnár, a physical education teacher at the former Budapest Tech and later Óbuda University, and former head of the Institute of Physical Education and Sport. During his multi-decade career in university sports, he played a decisive role in the professional development of institutional sporting life. In addition to his teaching and leadership activities, he was actively involved in basketball, tennis, chess, and table tennis, preparing and coaching student teams. Through his work, he ensured the professional stability and continuity of university sports for a long time.
Dr. Balázs Szauer, as Head of the Rector's Cabinet, supports the university's leadership with his outstanding professional knowledge, extraordinary work ethic, and exemplary dedication. He performs his duties at a high standard, with thoughtfulness and a high degree of responsibility; precision and consistency are defining values in his work. Through his professional preparedness, rapid situational awareness, and strategic mindset, he plays a significant role in the university's effective operation and development. Based on his outstanding performance, he is duly awarded a Rector’s Commendation.
Dr. habil. Dániel Drexler, Associate Professor at the John von Neumann Faculty of Informatics at Óbuda University, holds degrees in electrical engineering, health engineering, and applied mathematics. He currently leads the Computational Therapy Optimization Research Group at the Physiological Controls Research Center and serves as the professional lead for university research projects aimed at developing cyber-medical systems. His research focuses on mathematical modeling and the optimization of cancer therapies, with his results supported by over 150 international publications and more than 1,500 citations. He is a key figure in the scientific community and has served as Chair of the IEEE Hungary Section since 2025.
The Rector of the university may award a Rector’s Commendation to university students who have performed high-quality, effective work for the benefit of the university for at least two years and have demonstrated extraordinary performance.
Based on this, Rector’s Commendation was awarded to:
Beáta Bús, who began her environmental engineering studies in the BSc program in 2022, completing them with honors in January 2026, and was immediately admitted to our environmental engineering MSc program. She has served as Vice President of the College of Integrated Sciences since September 2025. Since September 2024, she has assisted the work of the Institute of Environmental Engineering and Natural Sciences as an institute demonstrator. Through her helpful attitude and reliability, she contributes to the success of the work of both colleagues and students.
Márk Tamás Baross, a doctoral student at Óbuda University’s Doctoral School on Safety and Security Sciences, who won the prestigious Pro Scientia Gold Medal in November 2025. This recognition is one of the highest domestic honors for young researchers, attesting to his outstanding scientific achievement and talent.
András Batta, who performs his work with exemplary dedication as President of the Student Union of Óbuda University. He works conscientiously, far beyond his assigned duties, to strengthen the good reputation of the university. Meanwhile, he consistently and authentically represents the interests of the students, building community and creating value.
During the awards ceremony, colleagues celebrating their 70th birthday were also recognized.
The Óbuda University Staff Badge (for 15 years of loyal service) was awarded to Dr. habil. Viktória Sugár and Prof. Dr. Zoltán Rajnai, in recognition of their 15 years of conscientious, dedicated, and effective work.
